What You Need To Know

If you have any questions or would like more information about what you need to know please Contact Me. If you are planning on buying or selling a home or property please visit my Buyers Page or Sellers Page.

Common Element Fees

As a unit owner you will be responsible for your share of expenses known as common element fees or common expenses. These are set out in the condo declaration. It describes what expenses are to be shared and in what proportion. This can be equal or unequal in cases where they are based on the comparative size of the units. The exterior and common area maintenance of your condo is covered by your common element fee. The fees are usually paid monthly in accordance with the budgeted expenses. Of course if your condo has more amenities such as a swimming pool, on-site security personnel etc. your fees will reflect the extra services.

Reserve Fund

Reserve or contingency funds are set up by the condominium corporation to cover major or unexpected expenses. The developer of a new condominium usually sets up a fund which is then turned over to the condo corp. The fund becomes an asset of the corporation and each year the unit owners decide on what the level should be. The individual owner does not have any rights to the Reserve Fund.

Questions You Should Ask When Buying A Condo

Pricing

Is the unit competitively priced with others currently on the market?

Have you taken into account the amenities offered?

What is the resale potential?

Have the units appreciated?

Are other unit owners in your financial bracket? If higher they may vote for services you can not afford, if lower they may vote down changes you would like to see.

Condo Security

Security is a key factor in choosing a condominium. The type of security will vary depending on the type of condo you choose and special care must be taken to ensure it meets your lifestyle requirements. What security features exist or are planned - suite alarms, TV surveillance, controlled access? Here are the factors you should consider or the questions you should get answers to.

Doors - Are they solid wood or metal and equipped with dead-bolts and peepholes? Do patio doors have effective locks?

Alarms - is there wiring for home security alarms in every unit or suite?

If possible check on the condo’s record for break-ins and vandalism by asking local authorities or current residents.

Common Elements and Facilities

What amenities are offered, what are the hours of use, is there a separate cost?

What is common element fee and what is included? History of increases?

Are there any exclusive use common elements (reserved for one or more unit holders)?

Parking and Storage Facilities

What is included in the purchase? Some parking and storage may be separate and legally defined units you own, others are common property allocated to the owner and subject to reallocation by the Board, others are exclusive use elements designated for the use of a unit, pursuant to provisions in the Declaration.

What parking/storage is required and can you rent or buy additional spots/space?

Is there visitors parking available?

Quality of Construction

What types of materials were used in construction? Are the facilities in good condition? How old is the building?

Find out if the corporation has done a reserve fund study (estimate of the remaining life of the various components, cost of replacement, and contributions needed to ensure funds are available for anticipated repairs and replacements)

What is the reputation of the developer?

Design and Layout

Size of suite and rooms - adequate for furniture?

What exterior changes can you make?

Can you add solarium to balcony?

Owner Occupied vs. Tenants

How many units are owner occupied vs. tenant occupied? Is there a maximum? Are there rental policies and what are they?

Management/Appearance

Is project managed by a professional company, resident manager or self-managed?

How well has the building been maintained?

Does it fit your personality/lifestyle?

Restrictions

Ask your RE/MAX agent for the complete set of building rules and regulations. Are there any restrictions you require/don't want - pets, children, age, number of people per suite, carrying on business in a suite? Most condos have a long list of association rules and regulations by which you'll have to agree to abide if you purchase in the building. These rules may limit the number, type, and weight of pets; how many visitors you can have at any one time; how often - and for how long - you can rent out your unit (if at all); when and how you can reserve common facilities like the party room; when you can have work done in your unit; and, what day you can move.

Expenses

What will be your monthly operating cost?

Have there been any special assessments in the last two years and are any planned?

Which utilities are common and which are individually metered?

What are the property taxes?

What insurance do you need and what is covered by the corporation?

Ask to see the past two years worth of condo board meeting minutes, as well as the last two years' of budgets and the current year's projected budget. What are the owners concerns? Are there any large-scale improvement projects planned? How much will they cost and how are they to be funded? Has there been a review of the reserve fund to ensure it is adequate? Is the building fiscally responsible? Are any fees/owners in arrears?

New Condominiums

Check the reputation of the developer with people living in other projects they have done or project you are looking at.

What is the cost for set up of a reserve fund (one time upfront fee)?

What are the landscaping plans?

What warranties are being offered - is the project covered by a New Home Warranty Program? What are the terms of this warranty? Contact the organization offering the warranty and find out exactly what is covered and what restrictions are involved. What specific timelines builders must work to and what dispute resolution services are offered? What clout does the warranty organization have with builders in settling a dispute?

How many elevators are there and how fast are they?

Are units wired for cable TV and telephone at the developers cost?

Does the corporation have a proposed operating budget? - If so, obrain a copy.

Information provided by and used with permission from RE/MAX of Western Canada